Seeed XIAO Microcontroller Boards: The Ultimate Guide for Makers

In this week's episode of 'Product of the Week' Robin takes a look at the Seeed Studio XIAO microcontroller board family. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a hobbyist, the XIAO boards promise unmatched flexibility and performance in a compact form factor.

What is the Seeed Studio XIAO Microcontroller Range?

The XIAO range represents a series of microcontroller boards developed by Seeed Studio. These boards are renowned for their consistent and compact form factor, making them a favorite choice for developers and hobbyists. The essence of the XIAO range lies in its uniformity, allowing users to effortlessly switch between different boards without the hassle of adapting to new configurations.

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Advantages

Choosing the XIAO boards comes with a plethora of benefits:

• Consistent Shape: All XIAO boards share the same shape, ensuring a seamless experience when transitioning between different boards.
• Uniform Profile: The boards are designed with a similar profile, eliminating the need for adjustments when integrating into projects.
• Standardized Pinout: The pinout remains consistent across the range, simplifying the process of connecting peripherals and reducing the learning curve for new boards.

These advantages underscore the XIAO range's commitment to providing a user-friendly and efficient microcontroller experience.

Why is the Seeed XIAO Range Special?

The XIAO range stands out in the crowded microcontroller market, and here's why:

• Arduino Compatibility: XIAO boards are fully compatible with the Arduino platform, making it easier for developers familiar with Arduino to get started.
• Circuit Python & MicroPython Support: Beyond Arduino, XIAO boards also support Circuit Python and MicroPython platforms. This versatility allows developers to choose the platform that best suits their project needs.

Power Options

Powering the XIAO boards is as flexible as their programming options:

• USB-C Connector: Modern and robust, the USB-C connector ensures fast and reliable power delivery to the board.
• External 5V Input: For projects that require an external power source, XIAO boards can be powered using a 5V input, providing versatility in deployment scenarios.

These power options, combined with the unique features, make the XIAO range a preferred choice for both beginners and seasoned developers.

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Seeed XIAO Microcontroller Comparison

XIAO nRF52840 - Buy Now

• Versatile Microcontroller: Incorporates the Nordic nRF52840 chip with FPU, operating up to 64 MHz, mounted multiple development ports, supported by Arduino / CircuitPython.
• Wireless Capabilities: Implements Bluetooth 5.0, BLE functions with onboard antenna, also provides NFC connectivity.
• Elaborate Power Design: Provides ultra-low power consumption as 5 μA in deep sleep mode while supporting lithium battery charge management.
• Advanced onboard Functionality: Assembles additional digital microphone and 6-axis IMU in the tiny board for embedded Machine Learning applications.
• Thumb-sized Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form-factor, suitable for wearable devices.

XIAO nRF52840 Sense - Buy Now

• Versatile Microcontroller: Incorporate the Nordic nRF52840 chip with FPU, operating up to 64 MHz, mounted multiple development ports, supported by Arduino / CircuitPython.
• Wireless Capabilities: Implement Bluetooth 5.0, BLE functions with onboard antenna, also provide NFC connectivity.
• Elaborate Power Design: Provide ultra-low power consumption as 5 μA in deep sleep mode while supporting lithium battery charge management.
• Advanced onboard Functionality: Assemble additional digital microphone and 6-axis IMU in the tiny board for embedded Machine Learning applications.
• Thumb-sized Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form-factor, suitable for wearable devices.

XIAO RP2040 - Buy Now

• High Performance: Powered by Raspberry Pi 2040 chip, dual-core operating up to 133 MHz, equipped 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of onboard flash memory.
• Ultra-small Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form-factor, suitable for wearable devices.
• Multiple Development Interfaces: 2x buttons, 11x digital / 4x analog pins, 1x I2C interface, 1x UART port, 1x SPI port, and 1x SWD Bonding pad interface.
• Multiple Develop Platform: Support Arduino / Micropython / CircuitPython development, friendly for beginners, satisfied for electronics enthusiasts.

Seeeduino XIAO SAMD21 - Buy now

• Compact and Powerful: The Seeed Studio XIAO is a compact microcontroller board based on the SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ processor. Despite its small size of 18mm x 18mm, it boasts a 32-bit, 48 MHz Cortex-M0+ processor and 256 KB flash memory.
• Arduino IDE Compatible: Designed for use with the Arduino IDE, it offers a familiar programming environment for users, making it easier to control a wide range of devices and projects.
• Rich Peripherals: The board comes with a built-in LED, a user button, multiple GPIO pins for sensor and device connections, a USB Type-C connector for power and data transfer, and a JST PH connector for Grove sensors and actuators.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for a myriad of projects ranging from simple hobbyist endeavors to advanced IoT devices and robotics. Its compactness and low power consumption make it a top choice for portable projects.
• User-Friendly: With its compatibility with the Arduino IDE, users have access to a vast array of libraries and tutorials, making the Seeed Studio XIAO a versatile and powerful microcontroller board for both novices and seasoned makers.

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Potential Projects with the XIAO Range:

Wearable Devices:

The nRF52840 Sense Xiao Board is a prime candidate for wearable devices. With its compact size, it's perfect for integrating into clothing, accessories, or even jewelry. The onboard IMU and microphone, combined with battery management, allow for a wearable device to monitor physical activity, listen to voice commands, and connect to other devices wirelessly via Bluetooth. Its support for TinyML and Tensor Flow Lite also opens doors for intelligent wearables that can process data on the go.

Remote-Controlled Vehicles:

The capabilities of the Xiao RP2040 make it a top choice for remote-controlled vehicles. Whether it's drones, cars, boats, or even custom-built robots, the dual-core processor of the RP2040 ensures smooth and responsive control. Its ease of programming, combined with its low cost, makes it a preferred choice for hobbyists and professionals alike looking to build or upgrade their RC vehicles.

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Size Reduction:

For projects that require the capabilities of an Arduino but are constrained by space, the XIAO range is the answer. These boards retain the power and versatility of larger Arduino boards but come in a much more compact form factor. Whether it's for art installations, IoT devices, or any project that demands a sleek and unobtrusive design, the XIAO boards offer a perfect balance of size and functionality.

Final thoughts:

The XIAO range of microcontroller boards stands as a testament to the perfect blend of power, versatility, and compactness. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to embark on a new project or a professional seeking a reliable and efficient microcontroller, the XIAO range promises to deliver. With its consistent form factor, diverse capabilities, and compatibility with popular programming platforms, it's clear that these boards are designed with the user in mind.

Interested in getting your hands on one of these remarkable boards? Don't wait! Head over to the Electromaker store and explore the XIAO boards along with a plethora of other components to kickstart or elevate your next project.